mmm-yoso!!!, an old fashioned food blog. Kirk is too busy to write a post today, so this one is being written by the -slightly less busy- Cathy.
My most recent post about Niban is from 2019, when I linked to all of my previous posts, going back to 2006. It's time for an update.
While standing in line to order, the "Daily Lunch Specials" sign remains. Of course, the prices have changed. 
The Bento lunch($8.75). Inari along with six pieces of California roll, rice and three pieces of fried seafood (fish, squid and shrimp) as well as the seafood side salad. This with a cup of hot tea ($1) is always satisfying.
The regular menu has remained almost the same (sunomono salad has been removed).
The sushi bar is still there, but nobody can be seated. Darn Covid!
We always get some sort of appetizer to share. The tempura vegetables ($6.50) are perfectly fried. 
The potato croquette ($2) is made with bits of carrot and the panko crust surrounding the mashed potato has such great texture as well as flavor contrast. I could make a meal of three croquettes and a side salad. (and I have)
The chicken katsu salad ($7.50) makes a nice meal. The chicken piece is quite large and moist, again with a perfectly crisp crust. The ginger based salad dressing is refreshing.
On the "Combination" portion of the menu, there are several choices. This is the chicken teriyaki with fried shrimp($11.50). Mushrooms and zucchini are mixed in with the chicken and sauce (which is not thick and not too sweet).
The pork teriyaki with fried (or steamed) gyoza ($10.50) is also a good meal. The gyoza are filled with pork and vegetables and, again, perfectly fried. 
Vegetarian Delight ($10.50) is a very satisfying Bento and could even be considered an 'appetizer platter'. Eight pieces of Garden Roll, eight pieces of vegetable tempura, edamame, a salad and some marinated bean sprouts. 
Katsu curry udon (with pork) ($10) was a craving one chilly day. Quite perfect- curry flavored udon soup with a good size piece of fried pork on top. The udon was something I hadn't realized I had missed.
Another survivor of the pandemic!
Niban 7081 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858)268-0465 Open Mon-Sat 11-2:30, 5-9:00 (until 9:30 on Fri and Sat) Sun 4:30-9:00
